Penn State vs. Pitt Position Grades

Sep 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) dives over the line of scrimmage into the end-zone for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back Qadree Ollison (37) rushes the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the third quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 42-39. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Secondary

Let’s start with the positive. The secondary only allowed Pitt to gain 91 passing yards. The negative is that Pitt didn’t need to pass when they were running through and around the Nittany Lion defense.

Again, another injury bit the defense as Grant Haley went down in the first and never returned. The tackling was pretty attrocious from this group and their reactions to plays were just as bad. They also allowed three touchdown passes.

Malik Golden did have an interception off a tipped ball and John Reid recovered a fumble.

The last word on the defense as a whole — it absolutely must get better for conference play.

Grade: C-

Next: Special Teams

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